This year, Girl Scout Troop #3632 set out to give back to Bethpage State Park and its birds by enhancing nesting habitat! To achieve this goal, The Troop decided they would donate hand-built bird homes for Eastern Bluebirds...the New York State Bird!
While bluebirds typically nest in tree cavities, this species is also known to use artificial homes when resources are scarce and intraspecific competition is high. Over the years, climate change and habitat loss have also contributed to the need for more resources. Although artificial homes have been known to be successful, not all nest boxes will work; durability, placement and the dimensions of the box have to be just right to be utilized by Eastern Bluebirds!
With that in mind, I provided recommendations. First, I suggested The Troop use cedar wood, a hardwearing material that will ensure their homes last many seasons in the elements. Another key feature is that the boxes need a 1.5" entrance hole; this opening is sized precisely to the body of the Eastern Bluebird and deters other larger, destructive birds from entering and damaging the box (such as woodpeckers). A third suggestion was including a swivel side door. This feature would allow for easy monitoring (without disturbing the nesting birds) but also hassle-free cleaning at the end of the season.
In total, the Girl Scouts were able to generously construct 9 beautiful nest boxes! I installed them near a massive pollintor garden and open field in our Picnic Area. This location is prime habitat for adult Bluebirds, allowing them to hunt insects and berries to be brought back to their growing young.
Once the boxes were up, I invited The Scouts and their families to Bethpage State Park for an educational bird day. This would also be a celebration of the Girl Scouts' environmental contribution! To kick of the event, The Troop introduced their finished project with a short presentation on their experience and what they learned from an Ecologist. Teaching others was actually the last step in their completion of a Bronze Badge! Badges are a prestigious honor in the Girl Scout journey, and this one was earned for completing a project that helps make the world a better place (in which, The Scouts surely did!).
Next, Yael led The Troop and their families on a birding scavenger hunt. This included keeping an eye out for different bird species, visiting the newly installed nest boxes and collecting organic nest materials. The latter was then used for a hands-on activity where The Troop pretended to be songbirds building nests similar to those that might be found in their boxes next Spring.
Overall, this event was a memorable way to conclude an important community ecological effort. A big thank you from Bethpage State Park to Troop #3632! Your immense dedication to increase habitat and spread awareness will aid the next generation of Bluebirds at our park.
Fantastic work !!
Our Park looks forward to collaborate on future projects together and having you visit again soon.
If your Troop wishes to organize a fun event or environmental project at Bethpage State Park,
please leave a comment below!
Post photography and writing by Yael Weiss.
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Next, Yael led The Troop and their families on a birding scavenger hunt. This included keeping an eye out for different bird species, visiting the newly installed nest boxes and collecting organic nest materials. The latter was then used for a hands-on activity where The Troop pretended to be songbirds building nests similar to those that might be found in their boxes next Spring. .JPG)
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